After the East Allen Township Board of Supervisors reorganization meeting Jan. 5, the board shifted into its monthly meeting.

The board considered the draft amendment of Chapter 250 of the township code of ordinances to incorporate data centers as a new use by conditional-use approval and providing specific criteria for new data.

Data centers are increasingly being proposed in small municipalities, suburbs and urban areas, due to their need for reliable power, connectivity and land. Data centers play a vital role in the digital economy, but their presence has mixed impacts on host communities that require careful evaluation by local officials and residents.

Data center pros include construction jobs during multiyear building phases, which provide short-term boosts to local contractors, suppliers and the trades. There can also be related technology or infrastructure investment. A data center can provide significant property tax contributions that can strengthen municipal budgets, school funding and infrastructure improvements.

Infrastructure improvements can lead to an upgrade of electric grids, fiber networks and roads. Unlike warehouses or factories, data centers have minimal truck traffic after construction, a smaller permanent staff and reduced congestion when compared to other industrial uses.

The cons about data centers include limited permanent employment because they are capital-intensive but labor-light, employing only a few dozen permanent workers. The centers require extremely high electricity usage and may require new substations or transmission lines. There are concerns about higher utility costs or reduced reliability for residents.

Environmental concerns of data centers include heavy energy consumption that can contribute to higher carbon emissions, use of large volumes of water needed for cooling and its effects on air quality. Continuous noise from cooling systems and backup generators and large windowless buildings may clash with community character, affecting quality of life for residents. Data centers often occupy large parcels of land. Once built, the land they are on is effectively removed for other economic purposes.

Data centers can provide strong fiscal benefits, but they also raise concerns about energy use, environmental impact and land consumption.

The board of supervisors is planning a thorough evaluation of data center development within East Allen.

Township Manager Brent Green noted that, although there are no applications to place a data center in East Allen at this point, developing zoning that regulates the development of data centers in the township is very important.

The board approved the minutes from the meeting Dec. 11, 2025. The board also approved the ratification of general fund checks 4360-4431, totaling $499,476.52 and fire fund checks 26-33, in the amount of $14,066.30.

The next East Allen Township Board of Supervisors meeting is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 22 in the township municipal building, 5344 Nor-Bath Blvd. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit eatwp.org to review the meeting’s agenda and to access the meeting virtually.